September 05, 2005
September 4, 2005
FEMA Intends to Send as Many as 500 Today
LANSING – Governor Jennifer M. Granholm today visited Fort Custer Training Center in Augusta near Battle Creek where as many as 500 evacuees who have been displaced from their homes by Hurricane Katrina could be arriving as early as this afternoon.
On Friday, Granholm said the state is willing to accept up to 10,000 men, women and children to help alleviate the crisis that has resulted in tens of thousands of people being displaced by the ravages of Katrina.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) notified the state of Michigan late yesterday that it intends to accept Governor Granholm’s offer to assist in the nationwide relief effort by finding temporary housing for some of those who have been displaced from their homes.
“Michigan is ready – with open arms – to provide families who have lost all of their worldly possessions a safe, comfortable place to stay while their homes, their communities, and their lives are being rebuilt,” Granholm said. “For as long as it takes, they will be part of our Michigan family thanks to the generosity of communities and businesses throughout the state.”
Granholm said the evacuees will be housed at the Fort Custer Training Center in Augusta for a short time until they can be assigned to more permanent housing in communities around the state. During their stay their physical condition will be assessed and their basic human needs will be met.
State officials are working closely with mayors across the state to bring about a swift transfer to transition living in many of Michigan’s communities. In addition to working with mayors, the state is working with non-profit organizations as well as health and human service organizations to ensure that the families’ transition and time in Michigan is comfortable.
“Clearly, the state of Michigan has been working hard to make sure that we are doing everything FEMA and the affected areas are asking of us,” Granholm added.
In addition to accommodating evacuees at Fort Custer, Michigan is also prepared to provide temporary housing for thousands of evacuees at Camp Grayling in Northern Lower Michigan.
To date, the state of Michigan is deploying over 500 men and women from the Michigan National Guard to Louisiana and Mississippi as well as staff from the Department of Natural Resources and Michigan State Police.
Following the state’s offer to make resources available, there has been a remarkable outpouring of public and private support to make Michigan’s relief effort a reality
Fort Custer is now outfitted with all of the necessities a family might need to live a basic, healthy existence including clothing, food, and personal hygiene products. Toys, books and backpacks will be provided to children. Among those agencies that are supporting the effort with donations are:
• Meijer
• The Hotel Community of Battle Creek
• Kmart of Battle Creek.
• Best Buy of Battle Creek
• Walmart Super Stores of Battle Creek
• Sam’s Club
• Scholastic Book Program
• Target of Battle Creek
• Kellogg Foundation
• Toys ‘R Us of Battle Creek
• The Battle Creek Area community at-large, including the area Food Bank, Calhoun County Red Cross, local churches, Second Harvest Food Bank, and the entire foundation community.
Granholm also noted that since Friday – the state’s Hurricane HelpLine has fielded more than 1,000 calls from business and citizens pledging their support with everything from pet supplies and coloring books to manpower and search and rescue dogs.
“I want to encourage citizens to use the Hurricane HelpLine,” Granholm said. “The support of Michigan citizens is more important than ever now that it appears that FEMA is accepting our offer to help.”
Those wishing to donate can call toll free: 888-535-6136.
